Mississippi State was leading 7-3 through five innings when rain and lightning forced the postponement of the game.

Under Southeastern Conference rules, the game will be resumed at the point at which it was suspended, followed by a seven-inning contest to conclude the series.

The resumption will begin at 12:05 p.m. today, with the second game beginning 30 minutes after the first game. Alabama won the first game, 10-8, on Friday night.

In Saturday’s game, Alabama starter Del Howell gave up seven runs in the first inning after the Crimson Tide had scored twice in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead.

Howell, who also struggled in a Saturday start against Kentucky last week, allowed the first six Bulldog hitters to reach base, capped by a bases-clearing three-run double by MSU left fielder Jason Nappi to put MSU ahead 5-0. The Bulldogs scored twice more in the inning, sending 11 men to the plate.

After that, Howell regained his composure and held the Bulldogs scoreless. Alabama managed a run against MSU starter Nick Routt in the top of the second inning on a fielder’s choice by Alex Kubal but did not threaten after that. It is unlikely that either Howell or Routt, the ace of the MSU staff, could pitch today.

Jake Smith, the Crimson Tide’s regular third baseman and closer, did appear in the game as the UA designated hitter. However, he was still bothered by an elbow injury suffered while making a throw on Friday night.

He is not expected to pitch or play in the field this weekend, and will be evaluated again when the team returns to Tuscaloosa regarding his status for the rest of the season. Smith was 0-for-2 when the game was called.

<p>STARKVILLE, Miss. | Storms passing through eastern Mississippi delayed the second game of the University of Alabama’s Southeastern Conference baseball series on Saturday night.</p><p>Mississippi State was leading 7-3 through five innings when rain and lightning forced the postponement of the game.</p><p>Under Southeastern Conference rules, the game will be resumed at the point at which it was suspended, followed by a seven-inning contest to conclude the series. </p><p>The resumption will begin at 12:05 p.m. today, with the second game beginning 30 minutes after the first game. Alabama won the first game, 10-8, on Friday night.</p><p>In Saturday’s game, Alabama starter Del Howell gave up seven runs in the first inning after the Crimson Tide had scored twice in the top of the first to take a 2-0 lead.</p><p>Howell, who also struggled in a Saturday start against Kentucky last week, allowed the first six Bulldog hitters to reach base, capped by a bases-clearing three-run double by MSU left fielder Jason Nappi to put MSU ahead 5-0. The Bulldogs scored twice more in the inning, sending 11 men to the plate.</p><p>After that, Howell regained his composure and held the Bulldogs scoreless. Alabama managed a run against MSU starter Nick Routt in the top of the second inning on a fielder’s choice by Alex Kubal but did not threaten after that. It is unlikely that either Howell or Routt, the ace of the MSU staff, could pitch today.</p><p>Jake Smith, the Crimson Tide’s regular third baseman and closer, did appear in the game as the UA designated hitter. However, he was still bothered by an elbow injury suffered while making a throw on Friday night. </p><p>He is not expected to pitch or play in the field this weekend, and will be evaluated again when the team returns to Tuscaloosa regarding his status for the rest of the season. Smith was 0-for-2 when the game was called.</p>